Jenkins cleared of ethics violation

(PRWEB) January 6, 2005 -- The Louisiana Board of Ethics ended its investigation of alleged violations by Jimmy Jenkins during his last days as secretary of the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, according to a letter provided by Jenkins.

The complaint was filed after Jenkins was presented several gifts four days before his term in office ended. Jenkins said the investigation centered only around the gift of a rod and reel from Coastal Conservation Association.

I got a lot of things, but somebody picked out this rod from CCA to investigate," Jenkins said. What they gave me was a fishing rod, which meant I had 51 instead of 50. I gave it back because of all the crap."

But Jenkins said the basis of the accusation was that he received a gift from a group controlled by his agency.

The Department of Wildlife & Fisheries doesnt control CCA," he said.

The Board of Ethics letter provided by Jenkins reveals that the complaint was considered June 10.

Based on the fact that the rod and reel was returned to Coastal Conservation Association on Jan. 18, 2004, the board instructed the staff to close the file in this matter," the letter reads.

Jenkins said he was pleased the charges were dropped, but added that he was disappointed in the way the system worked.

Anybody can make an accusation against anybody," he said. And thats OK because there are an awful lot of unethical bastards running around."

What he didnt agree with was the fact that the names of those making complaints are kept confidential.

You dont know who made charges. You cannot face your accuser."

That didnt stop information from leaking to the press.

Before I got a notice (from the Ethics Board about the complaint), it was in the newspapers," Jenkins said. I called and wrote the Ethics Board, but they didnt release it."

He said he believed the board should demand more proof of violations before opening an investigation that could tarnish someones reputation.

I think its unfair on Ethics part to investigate any anonymous, unsubstantiated charges," Jenkins said. And in the end its a big lie to start with."

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By: Andy Crawford

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